Go Etiquette

When one plays Go, in Britain or abroad, one should follow the
normal standard of etiquette in playing. This standard is, of course,
Japanese. This need not be rigidly followed, but it is only polite,
especially when playing Japanese, to observe these rules.

First, there is the custom of bowing before the game. This is
usually coupled with the word 'onegaishimasu' (o-ne-gai-shi-mas) which means 'if you
please'. This is not always done by the Japanese but should be followed
in major and tournament games.

Second, to take a move back without asking your opponent's
permission is not only rude to your opponent but allows you to check a
situation without having read it out in your head. Don't be so lazy!

Third you should always thank your opponent after the game. This
seems such a small point that you may wonder why I mention it at all. It
is important because it can leave bad taste if your opponent hardly
bothers to admit your existence after the game.

Finally, always clear your own stones away, moving your opponent's
to one side or to the other side of the board. This is normal in Japan
but not so in England. It may seem impolite but it is to avoid both
players puttng their hands in the same bowl.

All these are not important but it does have an exceedingly good
impression on visitors from Japan and it sets a good example to
beginners and players in your club.

This article is from the
British Go Journal
Issue 20[1]
which is one of a series[2] of back issues now available on the web.

Last updated Thu May 04 2017. If you have any comments, please email the webmaster on web-master AT britgo DOT org.